Today, I met Stefania Tanesini, who is the press officer for Focolare (see previous post) before going to visit the Gen Rosso ROSSO Band. Valerio Gentile and members of the band have travelled around Europe, Asia, Australia and Latin America to promote friendship through music, so we do share a common goal.

The band  gave me a warm welcome and spoke about how pleased they were to meet someone who shared the ideals. They also mentioned that they would be very happy to do a concert or two in Bahrain or elsewhere in the Gulf, if there is interest.

Before I left, they presented me with some of their music CDs and wished me  luck for the rest of the trip.

After lunch, I went to visit a furniture factory. Italy, of course, is famous for the fine quality of its furniture. I was shown around and also taken to their showroom.

After I returned, I had a very nice dinner and said goodbye to my hosts.

Tomorrow, I will wake up early for my drive to Switzerland and discover what Lugano what to offer.

Ali Mushaima